When evaluating the in-progress offseason of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, I suggested the organization’s run-it-back approach could be insufficient, as going back-to-back might require more boldness.
Since then, the Aces have become high rollers, making several big bets that could cinch or sink their repeat bid.
One of those bets is an all-but-guaranteed winner; the other two, introduce more risk. Let’s break down the Aces’ latest big moves, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A’ja’s $5 million supermax is the best bet in the WNBA
Three titles, four MVPs and now, the richest contract in WNBA history.
A’ja Wilson signed a three-year supermax contract, beginning at $1.4 million in 2026 and totaling $5 million. Betting everything on A’ja, of course, is the biggest no-brainer in the WNBA.
As general manager Nikki Fargas said of women’s basketball’s biggest superstar in a team statement:
A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today. Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.
Drafting Janiah Barker with the No. 29 pick is a smart gamble
After the Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Zack Ward suggested that, back in 2021, few would have been surprised to learn that Fudd, then a hyped recruit, would one day become a No. 1 pick. As Zack detailed, Fudd experienced a heavy dose of adversity along the way, making her return to the top an even more impressive achievement.
In 2022, the recruiting class after Fudd’s, Janiah Barker could have claimed the “future No. 1 pick” crown. The No. 3-ranked recruit in her class according to ESPN, Barker profiled as a modern, ball-handling wing, oozing with elite size and athleticism.
Her journey to the WNBA, likewise, featured fits and starts.
After first committing to Georgia, Barker began her college career at Texas A&M, following head coach Joni Taylor to College Station. In her first two seasons, Barker showed flashes of stardom, but was mostly overtaxed on A&M teams that otherwise had less talent than SEC foes. A transfer to UCLA for her junior season slotted Barker into a more defined role, as she won Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year honors as the top reserve for a Bruin team that would reach the 2025 Final Four.
Likely seeing her path to more playing time in Westwood blocked by Charlisse Leger-Walker’s return from injury and the arrival of top-rated recruit Sienna Betts, Barker left the eventual national champions for Tennessee. Her final season on Rocky Top was rocky. Performances that showcased her potential were balanced by those that exposed the issues that continued to infect her game, from poor decision making to inefficient shooting to defensive inattentiveness.
The insufficiencies outweighed the upside for Barker, as she never sniffed the No. 1 pick conversation and instead slid to the second-to-last selection of the second round.
And yet, if all the talent and tools come together, Barker, still, could pop as a star. Could she even rival Fudd for the best player in the draft? That suggestion is a bit outlandish, but the Aces, nevertheless, were smart to gamble on Barker.
With many of their recent and future first-round draft picks out the door in transactions and much of their cap space devoted to Wilson and their other stars, the Aces must win on the margins to keep winning on the court. Taking a chance on an undervalued prospect is the right approach. If Barker makes the final roster, she’ll be on an non-guaranteed deal, scheduled to make $270,000 this season; the Aces then could keep her for three more seasons on an affordable contract.
The Aces’ infrastructure helped NaLyssa Smith, after a wayward start to her WNBA career, discover a winning role. Barker could experience a similar trajectory—with an even higher pay out.
Signing Chennedy Carter is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward move
Another former Aggie offers a even more lucrative pay out for the Aces.
Chennedy Carter’s talent is absolutely undeniable With elite handles, a smooth pull-up jumper, pick-and-roll proficiency and an ability to cook in isolation, Carter possesses star-level stuff.
Everything else, however, has been the issue for Carter. The talent has not been worth the trouble, even if the organizations for which Carter has played—the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky—did not provide strong organizational infrastructures during her tenures.
As referenced above, the three-time champion Aces do have such an infrastructure. There’s no better support system for Carter than the trifecta of Wilson, Chelsea Gray and head coach Becky Hammon, and if she welcomes and absorbs it their leadership and lessons, both she and the Aces will walk away as huge winners.
Carter on the Aces could be electric. Simple Chennedy-A’ja two-woman actions will be a nightmare for opponents. Then, imagine a five of Carter, Wilson, Gray, Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd. The offensive rating could be off the charts!
Carter’s on a non-guaranteed deal, meaning the Aces can cut bait at any moment this bet risks becoming a losing one. However, the gamble on Carter could also be THE bold move that takes the Aces back-to-back.